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Hey there, it’s Melissa from The Sweet Escape here with a great recipe to enjoy with your Kendall-Jackson wine this New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re hosting or looking for something to bring along, these Date & Walnut Goat Cheese Crostini are one tasty bite that will want people reaching for more.
These crostini are all about flavor and ease—creamy goat cheese, sweet dates, and crunchy toasted walnuts on a perfectly crisped baguette. They’re elegant enough for a holiday party but simple enough to throw together at the last minute. And because they’re bite-sized, they’re perfect for mingling, snacking, and pairing with wine.
What I love most is how versatile they are. You can swap out the goat cheese for Brie or another soft cheese, try different nuts or dried fruits, or drizzle a little extra honey for sweetness. These crostini aren’t just a snack—they’re a little moment of indulgence, and when paired with a glass of Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon, they feel extra festive and celebratory.
Why You’ll Love These Crostini
These Date & Walnut Goat Cheese Crostini are the ultimate little bite of holiday indulgence. The creamy, tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet, chewy dates, while the toasted walnuts add just the right amount of crunch. Each crostini hits all the right flavor notes—sweet, salty, nutty, and a touch of richness from the honey drizzle. They’re elegant enough to serve at a festive New Year’s Eve gathering, yet simple enough to whip up in just a few minutes. Plus, they’re the kind of appetizer that keeps people coming back for more.
Key Ingredients and Tips
The magic of these crostini comes from a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients.
Goat cheese is creamy and tangy, providing the perfect base for the sweet dates and crunchy walnuts. A crisp baguette gives every bite structure and texture, while a drizzle of honey and a splash of balsamic vinegar tie all the flavors together with a touch of sweetness and depth.
A few tips make this recipe even easier: pick dates that are soft and plump for the best texture, and toast your walnuts just until golden to bring out their natural flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite soft cheeses—Brie, cream cheese, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Tips for Holiday Entertaining
These crostini are not only delicious, they’re perfect for stress-free entertaining. With a little prep ahead of time, you can assemble them in minutes when guests arrive. Here’s how to make your holiday hosting even easier:
- Toast the baguette slices in advance – Keep them in an airtight container so they stay crisp until serving.
- Prepare the date and walnut topping ahead – Toss together and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Portion the goat cheese – Pre-slice or scoop into small servings for quick spreading.
- Assemble just before serving – This keeps the crostini crisp and fresh, and ensures the honey drizzle doesn’t make them soggy.
And don’t forget—a glass from Kendall-Jackson’s full selection of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay pairs perfectly with these make-ahead bites.
Walnut & Date Goat Cheese Crostini
Recipe Type:
Appetizer
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
20
Ingredients
- 1 baguette cut into 1/2″ slices
- 1/2 c. walnuts
- 1/2 c. of chopped dates
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. honey + more to drizzle
- 5 oz. soft goat cheese
Instructions
STEP 1: place your sliced baguette slices on a pan or rack and place in the oven on broil. Watch very carefully until the edges are golden brown then remove.
STEP 2: toast walnuts over medium heat in a pan until they’re golden brown.
STEP 3: toss walnuts, chopped dates, olive oil, vinegar and honey together in a bowl until everything is coated.
STEP 4: spread generous amount of goat cheese on crostini the add a spoonful of date & walnut topping.
Wine Pairing with Kendall-Jackson Wines
The sweet richness of dates, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and the tangy creaminess of goat cheese create a flavor profile that begs for a great wine pairing. A bold red like Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the toasted nutty notes and balances the sweetness beautifully, while the tannins complement the creaminess of the cheese.
For those who prefer white wine, Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay offers a luxurious pairing. Together, these wines bring elegance to a simple yet impressive appetizer.
